IIBN asked Rani to give a description of the business carried out at the World Trade Center Dublin. Rani revealed that the World Trade Centre in Dublin is one of a family of more than 300 WTC’s in a global network, all of whom exist to help facilitate international trade.
You can visit the World Trade Center Dublin Here
Give a brief account of your education background.
I was raised in India by my entrepreneurial grandfather and he instilled into me from a young age the importance of study, discipline and reading – so you’ll always find me with my head in a book! I was educated at second level in the UK – I have 14 G.C.S.Es, A-levels in Maths, Physics, Further Maths and – the curveball – theatre studies. I went to university, dutifully enrolled in the very serious pathway of Computing and Management Science, but after a year dropped out because – truthfully – I was bored. I hopped over to the much more fun-sounding media department where I got a degree in Media with a specialism in Public Relations. I went on to use that to start my career in TVPR where I worked at Channel 4 Television.
Did you always know/ever think you would become an entrepreneur when you were younger?
Entrepreneurship wasn’t such a thing back then. But I think my family had an inkling when it was quite clear that I ignored anyone who tried to tell me what to do – I’d always do the opposite or make up my own rules. I was always starting some project which involved my being the boss.
Is entrepreneurship a common trait in your family?
My all four of my grandparents had entrepreneurial traits. In particular I was fascinated to learn about my Indian grandmother, who I’m told ran three domestic businesses from the family home entirely in secret because back then, it wasn’t socially acceptable for an Indian woman to make her own money. My Irish extended family are all successful in business too. It seems to be a thing for the women in my family to be pretty headstrong!
Did you have prior knowledge of the industry before setting up your company?
I’ve worked with more than 1000 entrepreneurs over the last 15 years so when it comes to supporting scaling businesses on their international journey, I’ve pretty much seen it all. This helps when it comes to understanding where our members are on their entrepreneurial journey.
What was your previous work experience (if any)? Do you think this gave you an advantage when setting up your business?
The very first job I had was selling tickets to a nightclub that I wasn’t old enough to get into myself, I’d never experienced it first-hand. If there’s anything that will give you a bootcamp in how to pitch, sell, build and deliver a dream – it’s that! From there, working in PR and Media at the coalface of the competitive UK entertainment market taught me that you can’t be afraid to be bold to succeed. As an aside, I also earned my stripes working in telesales for anything from double glazing to mosquito repellent at the same time as organising events and writing for music magazines, which I did for ten years. I wouldn’t trade my eclectic work history for the world – I’ve spent 25 years learning fascinating things and meeting wonderful people.
What characteristics do you feel benefited you most when starting your business?
Stubbornness: I wouldn’t give up and I wouldn’t go away.
Empathy: Caring about what others want more than what you want gets you further than you might expect.
Discipline: I’ll get things done.
Cheek: I’m not shy.
Curiosity: I always want to learn more
To what do you attribute your company’s success/growth to?
100%: the team. I have always been so blessed to be surrounded by amazing people. Success isn’t mine, it’s theirs.
What is your opinion on the importance of a professional network for an entrepreneur?
It’s critical. The entrepreneur journey is long and lonely. Having a professional network of like-minded people to meet, work and play with is important not just for professional wellbeing but personal growth. Also, high performance entrepreneurs are not like other people, they don’t have the same conversations. It’s good to have access to a network of people outside of your day-to-day circles who understand that journey.
Do you think entrepreneurship has changed in recent years?
Absolutely. It’s never been easier, quicker or cheaper to set up a business. The traditional barriers to entry no longer exist – everything from finance, talent, publicity, presence – everything is available at your fingertips and in a heartbeat. Nobody wants a job for life any more, they want a personal brand and a business. We’re living in an extraordinary period of time where you can do anything, be anyone and work anywhere from the device in your back pocket. The future is entrepreneurship.
Would you ever consider starting another company or involving yourself in new start-ups again?
I have a new idea daily so my appetite for entrepreneurship will never be met! But thankfully, I can live vicariously through the wonderful people who I meet every day at the World Trade Centre – it’s so satisfying to be a part of their journeys.
If you had one piece of advice for a new entrepreneur, what would it be?
You can’t go to the bank and pay your bills with other people’s opinions. Do what you want to do. Be kind always.
